I am a people person. I came to this conclusion when I started my branding and research agency out of my home four years ago. Back then, my wife and two small children were depending on me to fund the family and succeed. I made the choice to drop my Ph.D. program and pursue my master’s degree instead, and I started my own company so I could actually see my children. I wish I could say I had a business plan, but truthfully, I only knew what I didn't want to do.

I didn't want to run a company in which hierarchy, a lack of respect and loyalty, misuse of the environment and no social mission was the norm. I wanted my marketing company to be known for its integrity and how we treat people before anyone even looked at our portfolio or pricing. I set out to prove a business could be good in the most basic sense— one that does positive work and is still prosperous.

To be honest, I am a hypocrite. My work/life balance gets royally screwed up at times (okay ... a lot of times), I drive a gas-guzzling truck and I probably stress out my employees more than necessary. But through it all, I maintain an unwavering commitment to doing good social work, taking care of employees and ensuring that integrity and passion are integral parts of my company's culture. Why? Because a positive culture breeds positive people that stay, produce and build.

In my business, we don't own the means of production. We only have the pleasure of employing incredible people— people who stay with us because we help fulfill their dreams. This is a key tenet that makes a huge difference in the lives of those we hire. Everyone is empowered to develop their own beta projects, clients and follies.

We have people who are driven beyond what any manager could produce, and they set themselves to standards higher than a client would expect. Their passion for success is addictive, and they encourage me to continue building the business for good.

I also remind the people we hire that I work here, too. I want to have fun, do great work, and feel good about who I work with and who our clients are. If I couldn’t do that, I wouldn’t work for my company, and I wouldn't expect anyone else to, either.

Every day we help one another stick to this main goal, but it isn't always easy. We are a burgeoning business, new clients are coming to the table and we want more money to grow. Business "stuff" – like paying off lawsuits I know I should fight, working on global brands that may put small shops out of business and firing people – wears on one’s soul and ideals. Everyday I try not to lose too much of either, but I know I am getting scuffed along the way.

What keeps me motivated? Knowing that I set an example for my children, and that I owe them and my wife a man of whom they can be proud. Also, I’ m motivated knowing that I can make a difference each day in my employees’ lives and many others while making a living and holding on tight to the ideals upon which my company was founded.

Since I started my company, I have come to one important conclusion: Being a manager can only take you so far. A business plan can only take you so far as well. Doing good and simultaneously being a leader of and a partner with your employees is the key to success. I view it as a journey to do good, have fun and make money together.